Cool MateCrease vs Fold vs Line vs Wrinkle
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Crease
Top 2,000 (common)
Fold
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Line
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Wrinkle
Top 2,000 (common)
| Crease | Fold | Line | Wrinkle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kriːs//🇺🇸 //kriːs// | 🇬🇧 /["/fəʊld/","/fəʊldz/","/ˈfəʊldɪd/","/ˈfəʊldɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fəʊld/","/fəʊldz/","/ˈfəʊldɪd/","/ˈfəʊldɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈrɪŋkəl//🇺🇸 //ˈrɪŋkəl// |
| Meaning | A line or fold in a surface, especially in fabric or paper. | To bend something over itself. | A long mark or a row of things. | A small fold or line in a surface, especially skin. |
| Example | She noticed a deep crease in the fabric of her dress. | Please fold the paper along the dotted line. | Please stand in a line to buy your tickets. | Her face was marked with deep wrinkles as she smiled. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | noun | ||
| Collocations | sharp crease, deep crease, iron out a crease, crease in fabric, paper crease | carefully, neatly, gently, into | long, short, thick, draw, mark, run, divide something, separate something, in a line, a line of latitude, a line of longitude, long, short, thick, draw, mark, run, divide something, separate something, in a line, a line of latitude, a line of longitude, worry, deep, faint, have, run, appear, long, short, new, form, in a/the line, on a/the line, long, short, checkout, form, in line, direct, trunk, power, hold, be busy, be engaged, be dead, down the line, on the line, on line, rail, railway, train, take, on a/the line, the end of the line, long, short, new, form, in a/the line, on a/the line, learn, practise/practice, recite, direct, trunk, power, hold, be busy, be engaged, be dead, down the line, on the line, on line, broad, firm, hard, adopt, follow, pursue, in line with, out of line with, line on, a line of argument, a line of reasoning, a line of attack, broad, firm, hard, adopt, follow, pursue, in line with, out of line with, line on, a line of argument, a line of reasoning, a line of attack, battle, defensive, firing, behind enemy lines, in the front line, on the front line | crow's feet wrinkles, wrinkle-free fabric, fine wrinkles, permanent wrinkles, wrinkle cream |
| Antonyms | smooth, uncrease | unfold, spread | curve, scatter | smooth, flatten |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'crease' vs 'crease out' (to remove a crease)., Using 'creased' incorrectly as a verb rather than an adjective., Mixing up 'crease' with similar terms like 'fold' without recognizing the differences. | Confused with 'fauld' (a non-existent word)., Using 'fold' with an abstract object instead of a physical object., Saying 'folded by' instead of just 'folded'. | Confused with 'line' as a boundary vs 'line' as a row., Using 'line' as a verb without context., Mixing up 'line' with 'lyne' in spelling. | Confused with 'wrinkled' as a verb., Overused in descriptions of clothing instead of skin., 'Wrinkle' is often mispronounced due to its unusual spelling. |
| Usage notes | Use 'crease' to refer to physical folds, often in clothing or paper. Avoid using in formal contexts when describing minor errors or imperfections. | Use 'fold' when talking about items like paper or clothes. Avoid in very formal writings. | The word 'line' can refer to physical marks, waiting lines, or categories. In formal contexts, be specific (e.g., 'line of code'). Informal use often refers to lines in conversation or jokes. | Used commonly in everyday conversation. In formal contexts, describe them as 'creases' or 'folds.' Not usually used for fabrics in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Crease vs Fold vs Line vs Wrinkle
What's the difference between Crease, Fold, Line, and Wrinkle?
Crease: A line or fold in a surface, especially in fabric or paper. Fold: To bend something over itself. Line: A long mark or a row of things. Wrinkle: A small fold or line in a surface, especially skin.
Which is more advanced: Crease, Fold, Line, and Wrinkle?
Fold is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Crease: She noticed a deep crease in the fabric of her dress. Fold: Please fold the paper along the dotted line. Line: Please stand in a line to buy your tickets. Wrinkle: Her face was marked with deep wrinkles as she smiled.
Can I use Crease, Fold, Line, and Wrinkle interchangeably?
Not always. Crease, Fold, Line, and Wrinkle are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.